When the US Navy sent a littoral combat ship on its first patrol of the disputed Spratly islands in the South China Sea during the past week, it was watching the skies as well. The USS Fort Worth, one of the most modern ships in the US Navy, despatches a reconnaissance drone and Seahawk helicopter to patrol the airspace, according to a little notice statement on the navy's website. Growing concern in Washington that China might impose air and sea restrictions in the Spratlys once it completes work on its seven artificial islands is likely to be on the agenda when US Secretary of State John Kerry meets Chinese leaders in Beijing this weekend.

US, China raise Spratlys stakes. (2015, May 16). Philippine Daily Inquirer, p. A2.